Prep athletes of the week: Final surge under the lights makes Chaska's Duerr a winner

April 30, 2013 - 12:18 AM

JOEY DUERR

Chaska • track and field

Running outside for one of the few times all season and alongside a who’s who of 2013 high school distance runners, Duerr felt strong going into the last 300 meters of the boys’ 3,200-meter race at Friday’s Hamline Elite Meet.

“There were so many good runners in this race,” he said. “I just let them tow me along. With about 300 meters left, I felt pretty good, so I made my move.”

With the boisterous crowd at Hamline’s Klas Field providing the inspiration, Duerr bolted past Wayzata’s Connor Olson and pulled away in an all-out sprint to win what is considered the signature boys’ event of the meet.

“The crowd was incredible,” said the sophomore, who just minutes after the conclusion, looked as if he could race again. “Under the lights, it definitely gave me motivation. The atmosphere felt like a football game.”

KIERSTIN ANDERSON-GLASS

Visitation • softball

The Blazers won three games in an 18-hour period and the sophomore pitcher/shortstop left her mark on all of them. She went 7-for-11 with three home runs and 10 RBI at the plate. She also pitched a shutout, striking out 15, in a 7-0 drubbing of St. Croix Lutheran.

MIA BARRON

Minnetonka • track and field

Barron, a junior, made Friday’s Hamline Elite Meet her coming-out party. Hoping to win one event, Barron exceeded even her expectations by winning three: the 100-meter hurdles, the long jump and the triple jump. “I didn’t expect this but it feels great,” she said.

MAX KNUTSON

Mounds View • baseball

The University of Nebraska recruit led the Mustangs to a 2-0 start. The senior lefty pitched six innings, striking out 14, in a 2-0 victory over Hastings. The Mustangs followed with a 6-1 victory over Stillwater. Knutson had three hits and two RBI in the two games.

MIKE KUKULSKI

Eagan • lacrosse

Scoring goals in bunches is common in lacrosse, but the senior attackman had a week that was decidedly uncommon. He scored three goals and two assists in an 11-9 victory over Benilde-St. Margaret’s, then scored eight, with two assists, in a wild 17-13 victory over Rosemount.

MAX OLSON

Edina • tennis

A rangy righthander with the metro’s best serve-and-volley game, the junior won all six of his matches at No. 1 singles in straight sets. Included were victories over the top players of the state’s two No. 1-ranked teams, Wayzata (Class 2A) and Blake (1A).

SYDNEY SMITH

Maple Grove • softball

Smith, a sophomore pitcher with scant varsity experience, has verbally accepted a scholarship offer from Louisiana State. She showed her ability by winning her first two starts, posting a 0.00 ERA and striking out 23 while walking only two.